Tingling Hands & Burning Feet

A.Y. Shukla, M.D.

Are you one of thousands of Americans who suffer from a disease condition referred to as peripheral neuropathy? Peripheral neuropathy is a disorder of the peripheral nerves characterized by tingling or burning sensation, weakness, muscle aches or cramps, difficulties with balance, and at times autonomic nervous system involvement characterized by dizziness, sexual dysfunction, or change of blood pressure especially in upright position. Peripheral neuropathies have generally a gradual onset and slow progression. A typical de­- scription of the tingling and numbness is in a “glove and stocking” fashion that is mainly in the lower legs and distal aspects of the upper extremities. Tingling sensation or burning pain are very common symptoms with peripheral neuropathy predominantly due to involvement of the sensory nerves, however, in the advanced cases, motor nerves are also involved where weakness and gait difficulties can also be predominant the clinical presentation.

In many cases, a strong family history is noteworthy; however many other cases may not have any underlying cause contributing to the disease. It is important to have a formal neurological evaluation and a careful search for correctable causes as for example diabetes mellitus, renal failure, disorder of thyroid glands, exposure to drugs and toxins, or heavy metals like arsenic, lead, mercury, or thallium, industrial solvents or pesticides, vitamin deficiencies, or any underlying malignancies or tumors which can also be associated with peripheral neuropathy.

Dr. Shukla is a board certified neurologist practicing in Sugar Land and Richmond, also fellowship trained for neuromuscular disorders and is available at 281-565-8005 should you have any questions.